Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Squamish Pirates Swim Club?

The Squamish Pirates are a parent-run swim club based at Brennan Park Leisure Centre in Squamish, BC. The club offers both summer and winter swimming and aims to develop a love of swimming, competition and lifelong friendships.

When does registration open and how much does it cost?

Registration dates and program fees are published before the start of each season. Fees vary by program and training group.

My child is young. Can they still join?

Absolutely. The Pirates offer programming for younger swimmers as well as experienced competitive athletes. The appropriate group will depend on your swimmer’s age, experience and current swimming ability.

What are my responsibilities as a Pirate parent?

Families play an important role in the club. This includes supporting your swimmer, volunteering at swim meets, and participating in club activities and fundraising when required. Swim meets depend heavily on parent volunteers, and training and support are available for families who are new to competitive swimming.

What are the Pirates’ swim seasons?

The Pirates offer summer swimming, fall and winter maintenance swimming, and competitive winter swimming through the club’s OCAT program. Summer is the club’s main BCSSA competitive season, while winter programs allow swimmers to continue developing their skills, technique and fitness during the school year.

What is summer swimming?

Summer swimming is a short, energetic competitive season that runs primarily through the spring and summer. Swimmers train with their team, attend swim meets throughout the region and may progress to Regional and Provincial Championships.

What is winter maintenance swimming?

Winter maintenance gives summer swimmers an opportunity to continue working on stroke technique, fitness and team development during the off-season while remaining within BCSSA winter-training requirements.

What is OCAT swimming?

OCAT is the Pirates’ competitive winter program. Swimmers train and compete through Swim BC and follow a more intensive training schedule than winter maintenance swimmers. Entry into the program is based on availability and suitability for the program.

What group should I register my swimmer in?

Training groups are based on factors such as age, swimming experience, stroke development and training readiness. Coaches may assess swimmers and adjust group placement to make sure each swimmer is training in the most appropriate environment.

What is the difference between an “S” swimmer and an OCAT swimmer?

An “S” swimmer is a summer swimmer whose participation in organized aquatic activity between October 1 and April 30 remains within the limits established by BCSSA, including the Two Hour Rule.

OCAT swimmers participate in the Pirates’ competitive winter program, train beyond the summer-swimmer limits and compete through Swim BC during the winter season.

What is the Two Hour Rule?

BCSSA limits summer swimmers to no more than two hours of organized aquatic activity with coaching in any calendar week during the winter period, subject to the exceptions established by BCSSA.

Coaching includes anyone providing coaching or instruction to the swimmer, including parents or friends.

Swimmers who participate in a Development Swim Meet during winter training are also required to miss one training session the following week.

What equipment does my swimmer need?

At minimum, swimmers need an appropriate swimsuit and a pair of well-fitting goggles.

Each new swimmer receives one Squamish Pirates swim cap on their first day of training. Coaches may recommend additional equipment depending on the swimmer’s program or training group.

Where can I buy swimsuits, goggles and other swim gear?

Team Aquatic Supplies in North Vancouver carries competitive swimwear, goggles, training equipment and other swimming accessories.

Pirate families may also be eligible for a Shark Card discount through the club.

I’ve never been to a swim meet. What should I expect?

Swim meets can feel busy the first time, but they quickly become one of the most enjoyable parts of being a Pirate. Expect a full pool deck, lots of cheering, several races throughout the day and plenty of opportunities for families to get involved.

Meet-specific information, schedules and instructions will be shared before each event.

Do parents need experience to volunteer at swim meets?

No. Swim meets rely on volunteers, but many roles require no previous experience. Training and support are available, and families can learn as they go.